The female self-advocacy in Cancer Survivorship scale is a psychometrically sound measure of self-advocacy in male cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and psychometrically evaluate an adapted version of the Female Self-Advocacy in Cancer Survivorship (FSACS) Scale in men with a history of cancer. METHODS: This psychometric instrument development and validation study used a two-phase approach to first adapt the FSACS Scale items to reflect the experience of men with a history of cancer and then evaluate the psychometric properties of the adapted scale compared to the original FSACS Scale. The study was conducted from December 2018 through April 2022 through cancer clinics, patient registries, and national advocacy organizations. We evaluated scale reliability and validity using reliability coefficients, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and item analyses to determine a final set of scale items. RESULTS: Item responses from N = 171 men with a history of cancer were evaluated to determine scale validity. After removing poor-performing items based on item-level analyses, factor analyses confirmed that a 3-factor structure of both the adapted and original FSACS Scale best fit the scale. The 10 new items did not outperform the original 20-item scale and were therefore excluded from the final scale. The final 20-item scale explained 87.94% of item variance and subscale's Cronbach α varied from 0.65 to 0.86. CONCLUSION: The SACS Scale can be used in research and clinical contexts to assess the propensity of men and women to get their needs, values, and priorities met in the face of a challenge.

Pretreatment pain predicts perineural invasion in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Perineural invasion (PNI) in head and neck cancer (HNC) is a distinct pathological feature used to indicate aggressive tumor behavior and drive treatment strategies. Our study examined the prevalence and predictors of PNI in HNC patients stratified by tumor site. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients who underwent surgical resection at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 2015 and 2018 was performed. Pretreatment pain was assessed at least 1 week before surgery using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT-H&N). Demographics, clinical characteristics, and concomitant medications were obtained from medical records. Patients with cancers at the oropharynx and non-oropharynx (i.e., cancer at oral cavity, mandible, larynx) sites were separately analyzed. Tumor blocks were obtained from 10 patients for histological evaluation of intertumoral nerve presence. RESULTS: A total of 292 patients (202 males, median age = 60.94 ± 11.06) were assessed. Pain and PNI were significantly associated with higher T stage (p < 0.001) and tumor site (p < 0.001); patients with non-oropharynx tumors reported more pain and had a higher incidence of PNI compared to oropharynx tumors. However, multivariable analysis identified pain as a significant variable uniquely associated with PNI for both tumor sites. Evaluation of nerve presence in tumor tissue showed 5-fold higher nerve density in T2 oral cavity tumors compared to oropharyngeal tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study finds that PNI is associated with pretreatment pain and tumor stage. These data support the need for additional research into the impact of tumor location when investigating targeted therapies of tumor regression.

Functional outcomes of hyoid suspension in anterior oromandibular reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Hyoid suspension can be considered in major oromandibular reconstruction. The impact of hyoid suspension on flap viability, swallowing outcomes, airway, and long term radiographic hyoid position is unknown. The objective of this study is to describe outcomes after hyoid suspension in anterior mandibular reconstruction with fibular free flaps. We hypothesized hyoid suspension would not affect flap viability and would benefit functional outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in an academic tertiary medical center. The study consisted of 84 adults who underwent anterior mandibular reconstruction from February 2014 to September 2020. The primary outcome studied was the post-suspension flap viability. Secondary outcomes include pre/post-operative hyomental distance on computed-tomography, duration of perioperative tracheostomy, postoperative feeding tube dependence, and post-operative aspiration pneumonia. RESULTS: A total of 84, predominantly male (66.5 %), patients with an average age of 58.9 ± 11.5 were included in the study. Of those that met inclusion criteria, 25 (29.4 %) underwent intraoperative hyoid suspension. Univariable analysis showed no significant association between resuspension and post-operative total flap loss (p = 0.864) or partial flap loss (p = 0.318). There was no association between hyoid suspension and any of the studied postoperative functional outcomes or radiographic measures. CONCLUSIONS: Hyoid suspension is an option during oromandibular reconstruction and does not impact flap viability. The impact on functional outcomes and long-term hyoid position in this patient subset remains unclear.

The effect of opioids on the efficacy of immunotherapy in recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

OBJECTIVES: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) causes severe pain and opioids, the mainstay of pain management, may have immunomodulatory effects. We evaluated the effect of opioids on immunotherapy efficacy in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) HNSCC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study of 66 R/M HNSCC patients from 2015 to 2020, opioid dosage, calculated as mean morphine milligram equivalent per day, was assessed on the day of anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment and most recent prior visit. Intratumoral T cells were evaluated by single cell RNAseq and immunohistochemistry prior to treatment. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between opioid usage, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), disease control rate. RESULTS: Patients were 79% male, 35% oropharynx, 35% oral cavity, 40% locoregional recurrence, and 56% platinum failure. Higher opioid dosage by continuous variable was significantly associated with lower PFS (p = 0.016) and OS (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, including platinum failure status and PD-L1, higher opioids were associated with lower OS. Opioid usage by categorical variable was associated with significantly lower intratumoral CD8+ T cells. Opioid receptor, OPRM1, expression was identified in intratumoral and circulating T cells. CONCLUSIONS: In our study cohort of anti-PD-1 mAb treatment in R/M HNSCC patients, higher opioids were associated with significantly lower PFS and OS and lower CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis in R/M HNSCC patients and further research into the clinical and biologic effect of opioids is warranted.

Evaluation of Neck Disability Using Computed-Tomography in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors.

Objective: We have previously reported that 55% of head and neck cancer survivors have neck disability. However, it is unclear what factors contribute to their neck disability. Our study aim is to determine if survivors with neck disability have evidence of cervical spine degenerative disease assessed by computed tomography (CT). Materials/Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of patient-reported neck disability, prospectively collected on survivors of squamous cell carcinomas without recurrence or metastasis over one-year post-treatment. Neck disability and its impact on daily life was measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and compared with cervical CT scans within 6 months. Scans were evaluated for degeneration of the disc and facet of the cervical vertebrae rated on a 5-point scale where 5 indicates more severe disease. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the association between NDI and radiographic findings. Results: 116 survivors of oropharyngeal carcinomas were identified, predominantly male (81.9%) with an average age of 62.8 ± 8.2 (range 43.8-81.4). Most survivors had advanced stage III-IVa cancer (94.0%) with treatment modalities including surgery (n=26, 52.0%), chemotherapy (n = 45, 90.0%), and radiation therapy (n = 49, 98.0%). Absence of neck disability was observed in 44.0% of survivors, 39.7% had mild disability, and 16.4% moderate disability. The time from treatment to clinic visit was an average of 3.1 ± 2.7 years (range 1.1-13.4). Multivariable analysis of NDI controlling for age, time since treatment, and treatment modality identified an inverse association between NDI and spinal degenerative disease examining cervical discs (-1.46 95% confidence interval (CI) [-2.86, -0.06], p = 0.041) and age (-0.24 95% CI[-0.40, -0.08], p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our study shows that neck impairment and pain in head and neck cancer survivors is not sufficiently explained by cervical degeneration related to age or trauma, supporting the theory that post-treatment neck disability occurs as a side effect of treatment. These results support the further assessment of structure and function of cervical musculature and degeneration following HNC treatment.

The Crooked Nose: A Practical Guide to Successful Management.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: (1) Preoperatively evaluate the patient with a crooked nose. (2) Develop a comprehensive preoperative plan specific to the patient. (3) Effectively "deconstruct" and rebuild the crooked nose to address both aesthetic and functional concerns. (4) Use postoperative techniques to maximize outcomes. SUMMARY: Correction of the crooked nose requires a detailed understanding of the relevant surgical anatomy, identification of the deforming forces-both intrinsic and extrinsic-contributing to the deformity, and knowledge of techniques needed to effect the desired change. This continuing medical education article takes the reader through the evaluation and formulation processes to develop a patient-specific plan and provides surgical pearls necessary to get the best results possible. Most importantly, this article emphasizes the need to treat the crooked nose as a reconstructive rather than routine aesthetic operation.

Flourishing in head and neck cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing cohort of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients affected by late- and long-term posttreatment side effects. Our study evaluates the relationship between the demographics, clinical characteristics, and posttreatment symptom burden with the subjective sense of flourishing among HNC survivors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, single-center study of adult survivors of squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx/hypopharynx who completed the Secure Flourishing Index (SFI) and patient-reported outcomes related to depression, anxiety, swallowing dysfunction, neck disability, and insomnia between November 2020 and April 2021. RESULTS: A total of 100, predominantly male (86%), survivors with an average age of 63.0 ± 9.6 were included in the study. Univariable analysis showed a significant association between higher flourishing scores and advanced age (95% CI: [0.011, 0.84], p = 0.0441), normal diet (95% CI: [5.79, 31.18], p = 0.0149), employment (95% CI: [1.24, 17.20], p = 0.0239), higher income (95% CI: [7.30, 27.72], p = 0.0248), and decreased reported difficulty paying for needs (95% CI: [-33.46, -18.88], p < 0.001). Flourishing was inversely associated with higher symptoms of depression (95% CI: [-2.23, -1.15], p < 0.001), anxiety (95% CI: [-1.92,-0.86], p < 0.001), swallowing dysfunction (95% CI: [-0.77, -0.26], p < 0.001), neck disability (95% CI: [-1.05, -0.35], p < 0.001), and insomnia (95% CI: [-1.12, -0.22], p = 0.004) in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Common late- and long-term side effects of HNC treatment and financial hardship are associated with lower levels of flourishing or a more negative perception of life after treatment. Results highlight the importance of symptom burden for survivors' overall evaluation of their quality of life.

Effect of Oblique Tendon Laceration on Core Suture Strength: A Biomechanical Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The effect of obliquity of tendon laceration on repair strength is not well studied. The overwhelming majority of biomechanical studies assess repair strength following a laceration that is perpendicular to the long axis of the tendon. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the angle of tendon laceration affects the core suture strength. METHODS: In all, 110 fresh human cadaveric flexor tendons were cut at varying angles of 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° and the control group at 90°. All tendons were repaired with 6-strand modified Tang technique. The repair strength was tested using a custom-made tensioning machine, and the initial static gap force and the ultimate breaking force were measured. RESULTS: The mean gap force and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° groups were 15.2 N (11.4-19.0 N), 15.8 N (13.6-18.1 N), 15.6 N (13.1-18.4 N), 16.6 N (13.7-19.5 N), and 22.3 N (16.6-27.9 N), respectively. In the same respective order, the break force and 95% CI were 25.9 N (21.9-29.8 N), 26.5 N (23.2-29.7 N), 31.1 N (26.1-36.1 N), 35.6 N (28.2-43.1 N), and 51.8 N (62.5-41.0), respectively. The Fisher least significant difference demonstrated significant differences between the control group and all experimental groups for both gap force and break force. CONCLUSIONS: Obliquity of tendon laceration affects the core suture strength when compared with a transverse cut. Flexor tendons cut at 90° demonstrated a higher overall gap force and breaking strength that were statistically significant when compared with all obliquely cut groups. These findings should be considered when repairing and starting postoperative therapy for obliquely cut tendons.

Subjective and Objective Measures in Assessing Neck Disability and Pain in Head and Neck Cancer.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The intensification of treatment for head and neck cancers (HNCs) has created a cohort of patients living with short- and long-term comorbidities and functional deficits. This study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and objective measures of neck function in survivors of HNCs. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Thirty-one subjects (aged 64 ± 8.7 years; 28 males and three females) were recruited and completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and a numeric pain scale. At the same visit, subjects were fitted with two portable motion sensors to collect range of motion (ROM) and velocity data. Differences between ROM, velocity, and PRO subgroups were assessed using a one-tailed t test (*P < .05). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was calculated between the NDI values and the ROM and velocity values for each motion. RESULTS: A moderate correlation (r = 0.507) was observed between NDI and neck pain. Patients with no disability according to the NDI had significantly higher ROM and velocity than patients with mild to moderate disability. Velocity in all degrees of freedom (axial rotation, flexion and extension, and lateral bending) was significantly lower for patients who perceived higher levels of neck pain and neck disability. CONCLUSIONS: This study notes that patients who report neck disability and pain have more limited ROM and velocity following HNC treatment. These data may improve treatment planning and care delivery by facilitating an understanding of the experiences of HNC survivors and the pathophysiology that must be targeted to address their psychosocial and functional deficits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2015-2022, 2021.

Neck Disability and Swallowing Function in Posttreatment Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between symptoms of neck disability and swallowing dysfunction among head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: Single-center, university-affiliated HNC survivorship clinic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Survivors' patient-reported symptoms of neck disability and swallowing dysfunction were prospectively collected from March 2017 to May 2018. Neck disability and swallowing dysfunction were measured using the Neck Disability Index and Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), respectively. Linear regression was used to analyze the association between neck disability and swallowing dysfunction. RESULTS: A total of 179 survivors, predominantly male (n = 130, 72.6%) with an average age of 64.64 ± 9.91 years, were included in the analysis. Primary cancer sites were oropharynx (n = 85, 47.5%), oral cavity (n = 59, 33.0%), and larynx/hypopharynx (n = 35, 19.5%). Mean EAT-10 score was 10.07 ± 10.89 (range = 0-40; >2 indicative of swallowing dysfunction). Survivors treated for early stage cancer had lower EAT-10 scores than those with advanced stage (early = 3.55 ± 7.46; advanced = 11.95 ± 11.02, P < .001). After controlling for age, time since treatment, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, and treatment modality, the EAT-10 score for patients with mild neck disability was 6.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.71-10.06; P < .001) points higher than those without neck disability, and the score for those with moderate-complete neck disability was 13.65 (95% CI, 9.47-17.83; P < .001) points higher than those without neck disability. CONCLUSIONS: Swallowing dysfunction is a commonly recognized effect of HNC treatment. The prevalence and burden of neck disability are shown to be highly correlated with swallowing dysfunction. These results support the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary rehabilitation interventions for patients with HNC.

Heterogeneous antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain and nucleocapsid with implications for COVID-19 immunity.

Evaluation of potential immunity against the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus that emerged in 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) is essential for health, as well as social and economic recovery. Generation of antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 (seroconversion) may inform on acquired immunity from prior exposure, and antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (S-RBD) are speculated to neutralize virus infection. Some serology assays rely solely on SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N-protein) as the antibody detection antigen; however, whether such immune responses correlate with S-RBD response and COVID-19 immunity remains unknown. Here, we generated a quantitative serological ELISA using recombinant S-RBD and N-protein for the detection of circulating antibodies in 138 serial serum samples from 30 reverse transcription PCR-confirmed, SARS-CoV-2-hospitalized patients, as well as 464 healthy and non-COVID-19 serum samples that were collected between June 2017 and June 2020. Quantitative detection of IgG antibodies against the 2 different viral proteins showed a moderate correlation. Antibodies against N-protein were detected at a rate of 3.6% in healthy and non-COVID-19 sera collected during the pandemic in 2020, whereas 1.9% of these sera were positive for S-RBD. Approximately 86% of individuals positive for S-RBD-binding antibodies exhibited neutralizing capacity, but only 74% of N-protein-positive individuals exhibited neutralizing capacity. Collectively, our studies show that detection of N-protein-binding antibodies does not always correlate with presence of S-RBD-neutralizing antibodies and caution against the extensive use of N-protein-based serology testing for determination of potential COVID-19 immunity.